Injection Molded Container With Integrated Latching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers with chambers for desiccants or treatment substances are complex and expensive to manufacture, often requiring separate components and assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
A container with an injection-molded plastic body that integrates the side wall and container base, featuring a latching mechanism on the side wall for easy and secure closure, allowing for cost-effective production and handling, with a moisture- and gas-permeable cover to prevent treatment substance escape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate base and side wall components are used, then assembly flexibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The container base and side wall are merged into a single integral component formed by injection molding. This eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly of these parts, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If traditional latching mechanisms are used, then cover security is improved, but ease of insertion and manufacturing simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is integrated directly into the container body structure through injection molding, eliminating separate latching components. The locking elements and sliding surfaces are formed as part of the container body itself, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining secure cover attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover insertion process utilizes the elastic deformation of the cover itself to engage with the latching mechanism. The cover's flexibility allows it to deform during insertion and then lock into place automatically, eliminating the need for complex external latching devices.
3Strength
If the cover is made rigid, then structural strength is improved, but ease of insertion through the opening deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed with elastic properties that allow it to dynamically deform during the insertion process. This elasticity enables the cover to flex as it passes through the opening and engage with the latching mechanism, then maintain its structural integrity once locked in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover's mechanical properties are optimized to exhibit elastic deformation characteristics during insertion. This parameter change in flexibility during the insertion process allows rigid-looking covers to be easily inserted while maintaining sufficient strength for their protective function.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables the production of a cost-effective, high-quality container that is easy to handle and suitable for packaging moisture-sensitive items, such as pharmaceuticals and chemical substances, by eliminating the need for separate base manufacturing and simplifying the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
a cover (15) that prevents the solid treatment material from escaping from the chamber
Implementation Method 2
A moisture-permeable cover allows moisture from the receiving space to reach the desiccant and be absorbed there
Implementation Method 3
A gas-permeable cover allows fragrances or active ingredients released by a treatment material to pass from the chamber into the receiving space
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The invention relates to a container comprising a container body (2) which forms an accommodating space (3) for a packaged good, wherein: the container body (2) has a lateral wall (4) and a container base (5) that is integrally connected to the lateral wall (4); the container body (2) has an opening (6); the container body (2) has a chamber (13) which is filled with a solid treatment material (14); the chamber (13) is provided with a cover (15) which prevents the solid treatment material (14) escaping from the chamber (13) and which is moisture-permeable and/or gas-permeable. The container is characterised in that the container body (2) has an injection moulded part consisting of plastic, which part forms the container base (5) and the lateral wall (4) that is integrally connected to the container base (5), and in that a detent means (17) is arranged on an internal face (16) of the lateral wall (4), behind which detent means the cover (15) is engaged. The invention further relates to a method for producing such a container.